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3 stars from the Toronto Raptors’ Summer League stint

By Kevin Nimmock

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Las Vegas Summer League (LVSM) did not go the way the Toronto Raptors hoped. The team cruised to three consecutive wins, claiming the first seed heading into the knock-out round, promptly losing to the Chicago Bulls. Yesterday, the team’s time in Vegas ended with another loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, giving the Raptors a 3-2 record for the tournament. Still, the wins and losses don’t really matter.

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LVSM is all about evaluating talent and taking risks on unknown commodities. It is a chance for rookies and fringe veterans to show they can compete against decent opposing players. The Raptors had several standout performers, leaving GM Masai Ujiri with a lot to think about going into training camp in the Fall. So, who were the team’s three stars?

*** Bruno Caboclo

2014’s 20th overall pick has come a long way after his single season of off-the-court NBA instruction. He looked far more polished this year, but there is still probably two more years worth of work to be done before Caboclo can contribute consistently at the NBA level. Still, he showed why he is worth the wait, demonstration his natural shooting touch and ridiculous athleticism.

Caboclo led the team in minutes (29.4 per game), averaging 12 points and 4.2 rebounds. He shot 35% from the field, which is demonstrative of the fact that he is still overly trigger-happy. He seems to panic with the ball in his hands, electing to shoot immediately instead of looking to pass or drive. This led to a ton of 3-pointers, but at least it wasn’t out of selfishness. Caboclo needs to continue to get stronger so that he can be effective around the hoop on offence. On defence, he looked far more comfortable, earning 1.6 steals per game with his ridiculous 7-6 wingspan.

** Ronald Roberts

The other bigs looking to fight for a roster spot should be scared of Roberts. He showed flashes of Draymond Greenesque upside, offering defensive intensity and offensive hustle. Roberts impressed Ujiri so much that he earned a partially-guaranteed contract before LVSM even finished. Though Roberts will be hard-pressed to earn himself a roster spot with the Raptors, he certainly gave himself the best chance possible.

Roberts averaged 10.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, playing just 23.5 minutes per contest. He was particularly effective as a rebounder, using his grit to make up for only being 6-8. Roberts earned 3.3 offensive boards per game, highlighting a quality that must have Ujiri salivating after his team struggled so mightily to grab rebounds this past season. Overall, Roberts was probably the most consistent Raptor over the five games, offering the same effort every night.

* Norman Powell

If you have been paying attention, this pick should come as no surpise. Powell was one of LVSM’s breakout stars, showing the ability to be dominant against players who came into the tournament with far more hype. Powell was only the 46th overall pick this year, but he was better than most lottery players during the tournament. He was aggressive on defence and dynamic on offence, getting to the hoop and shooting well from beyond-the-arc.

Powell averaged 18.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, shooting 51% from the field and 44% on 3-pointers. He looked to be in a league of his own, confidently completing highlight-reel plays. Obviously, his dominance won’t translate immediately to the NBA, but Powell showed that he can ball. He also showed that he can be a leader on the court, making key buckets and earning steals. His defence really can’t be forgotten, grabbing 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.

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